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Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

These diets may seem like fad diets since they're pretty trendy right now, but they aren't at all! The difference is following a vegetarian or vegan diet can be just as healthy as one that includes meat, as long as it is done in the right way. You can also eat this way your whole life and never have any issues.

Before you decide to go vegetarian or vegan, it is important to do your research. This will let you know if switching to this lifestyle is right for you, and how to make sure you are still getting all the nutrients you need.

First, what is a vegetarian and what is a vegan?

A vegetarian is someone who does not eat any flesh from an animal. This includes poultry, meat, fish and seafood;

A vegan is someone who does not eat any animal products. This includes poultry, meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey and gelatin.

Why do people go vegetarian or vegan?

Concern for animal rights and/or the environment

Preferences (they don't like meat or animal products)

Religious or other beliefs

Health reasons

Financial reasons (meat can be expensive)

There are pros and cons to switching to this lifestyle. Think about these when you are deciding if it is right for you.

Pros

Well planned diets are high in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This will keep you healthy and give you lots of energy

Well planned diets have lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers

You can feel good about your choice to support animal rights, lower your carbon footprint or eat the things you really enjoy

Cons

More planning is needed to make sure you are getting all the right nutrients

There is potential to not get all the vitamins, minerals and protein your body needs (especially if you are still growing);

Eating out can be tricky, since there are not too many options. Sometimes options that sound like they are vegetarian or vegan are actually made with animal based ingredients which can make things confusing.

Since these lifestyles cut out foods, it means they are naturally lacking a few key nutrients. Not to fear, with a little planning you can defiantly get enough of everything!

Common nutrients lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets, and how to include them: